About this time last year, I was researching forecasts on what trends would look like for 2018. As you know it’s always exciting to see what’s coming in the new year, but the funny thing is, there’s not really a hard stop and start between the trends on a calendar basis. Instead, what we see is a flow that carries through, with slight nuances that change the landscape year over year. So before we get into what 2019 will bring, let’s take a look back at what’s been at the top of trends in 2018.
You’re excited about getting started on increasing your home’s value, and we get it! There are renovations to think about, DIY projects and color schemes to pick out, landscaping decisions to consider, and much more. This is not even mentioning the ever-practical concerns of improving your home’s safety and energy efficiency requirements.
Generally, if you’ve maintained your home to a reasonable standard, there’s nowhere to go but up. And for those ready to start redesigning their living space, renovations can be a combination of elements that enhance your current lifestyle while remaining practical for a resale later. And that’s just the long-run view.
For many homeowners, hardwood floors are a must-have: They’re classic, attractive, and add value to the home. But once a homeowner has those hardwood floors, how do they take care of them so they retain as much of that value as possible over the lifespan of the house?
Know the Enemies of Hardwood Floors
Once homeowners understand what damages a hardwood floor, they can make sure to protect it. Top enemies of hardwood floors are moisture and scratching.
It’s smart to develop a policy of mopping up spills as soon as possible before the liquid has time to penetrate the floor. To protect floors in the winter and spring, when shoes may track in snow or water, use a boot tray in the entrance or carefully wipe the feet on a doormat to remove moisture from shoes.
Protect furniture with felt pads and avoid walking on hardwood floors with high heels (which can damage the wood surface), so that floors will age much better.
If there are children in the home, provide rugs in play areas so that children do not accidentally damage the wood floors during play. It’s also more comfortable for the little ones this way!
